Approximately how long ago did the genetic divergence leading to *P. aethiopicus* and *P. africanus* occur?
Answer
Perhaps only half a million years ago
Genetic analyses have provided a surprisingly precise timeline for the evolutionary separation between the two forms within the *Phacochoerus* genus: the Desert Warthog (*P. aethiopicus*) and the Common Warthog (*P. africanus*). This split is estimated to have occurred relatively recently in geological time, perhaps only half a million years ago. This timeframe points toward a rapid speciation event. Despite the short duration since their divergence, the genetic differences accumulated were substantial enough to warrant classification as separate species, illustrating how quickly distinct features can arise and become fixed in isolated populations facing differing ecological demands.
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